Mace Spiker-Miller '22 Recruiting Profile

Swimming showed me a different perspective for team dynamics. I  used to play soccer prior to swimming and I always disliked how the team turned against each other when they were losing. Swimming, since it is an individual sport, showed me that, if I failed, the team would be slightly distraught, but would continue working hard to pick up the slack instead of turning around and quitting. In addition to that aspect, I realized I would push myself harder in swimming than any other sport because it works me. In a set, someone might say, do (10) 100s butterfly.  Everytime, I would focus on finishing that one 100 in the present moment and getting it done as fast as I could to alleviate the pain. This allows my brain to discard the fact that there are nine more 100s left. Most of all, the team caused me to push myself because, they tell me to go as hard as I can (because we all rely on one another), I will do my absolute best to surprise them. 

Some influential moments of my swimming career was when I won conference and state champion in my 100 fly my sophomore year.  These moments were influential because, at conference, I raced a competitor who was going to swim for the University of Wyoming and, when I won, the feeling was incredible.  It gave me a whole new thought. I started to focus my energy even more to improve my stroke and ability because, before that, I didn't think I would be anybody. However, when I was able to beat someone of their capability, I realized going to college for swimming could be possible and I might be useful to a team. In addition, my experience at sectionals was the most influential competition--not because I won but because I lost. It was a great life lesson and a humbling experience to show me that I have a great deal to work on and what should try to work to achieve. Recently on 2/5/2022 I was named swimmer of the year at conference and am hoping to be it again at State.

Academically, I'm looking to get my undergraduate in either counseling or mathematics. I chose these two fields because I understand math and learn information quickly and I also enjoy people and making people feel good about themselves. In high school, I enjoyed my psychology class and hope to gain additional experience in these two areas as a senior to zero in on my major in college. 

To conclude, as a captain and state champion, I learned to be a leader and great listener for my team to settle disputes and bring them closer together. I worked at being a good example by being a humble winner. More importantly, though, to be steadfast when there is failure and to choose to continue working hard past the mishaps. I know I am a honest, trustworthy, and loyal person to any team of which I am a member and always will give my best everyday in hope to win the rest of the team's trust to create the reliance that I love so deeply.